Is Treet luncheon loaf Gluten Free?

The Ingredient Breakdown

To understand why Treet fails the gluten-free test, we have to look past the primary ingredients of mechanically separated chicken and pork. While these meats are naturally gluten-free, the flavor profile comes from a complex mix of additives that introduce gluten.

The first major red flag is the baked ham seasoning. According to the label, this specific seasoning contains barley flour. Barley is one of the three primary gluten-containing grains (along with wheat and rye). Even if the barley flour is used as a carrier for the spices or as a thickening agent, it renders the final product unsuitable for a gluten-free diet.

The second flag is found in the soy sauce. Traditional soy sauce is brewed using wheat. The ingredient list explicitly states that the soy sauce contains water, soybeans, wheat, salt, and vinegar. Because wheat is a distinct ingredient here, the product cannot be considered safe for anyone with a gluten allergy or sensitivity.

Finally, the smoke flavoring and hydrolyzed corn protein are generally safe, but in the context of a facility that processes barley and wheat, cross-contamination is always a risk, though the direct ingredients are the primary concern.

Nutritional Value

When analyzing the nutritional profile of Treet, the high sodium and sugar content are notable. The product contains sugar, brown sugar, and sodium erythorbate (a curing agent). A single serving contains a significant amount of sodium, which is typical for cured meat loaves.

For those monitoring their intake, Treet is high in processed fats and sodium, but it is relatively low in carbohydrates compared to breaded meats. However, the presence of potato starch adds to the carbohydrate count. It fits into a high-protein diet, but it is not a 'clean' ingredient list due to the preservatives like sodium nitrite.